A new survey in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) revealed travelers’ behaviors and MENA travel trend once domestic and international flights resume.
The survey which is based on respondents from the MENA region revealed that 60% of people are planning to travel upon resumption of domestic and international flights.
According to the survey by Wego, the largest online travel marketplace, the countries’ technological innovation, post-COVID-19 plans, their dynamic hospitality offerings along with the significant precautionary measures taken by the GCC national carriers gave reassurance for travelers to travel again.
Mamoun Hmedan, Managing Director, MENA, and India, Wego, said:” The coronavirus has reshaped the travel industry scene in the world. Most countries in the MENA are introducing precautionary measures to curb the outspread of the virus and revive the industry. As a result, we will see an increase in the demand for intra-regional travel in the MENA region.”
Among the respondents, 40% are eager to book a relaxing getaway as soon as the country’s restrictions are lifted. The majority of respondents are planning to travel within the next 3 months.
With the restrictions being eased in the region and particularly in the UAE where residents can travel between emirates, we expect to see more demand for domestic travel as hotels gradually reopen with access to beaches and limited water sports activities.
Mamoun added: “Even in times of prolonged uncertainty, we at Wego maintain an optimistic mindset and this survey is a true testament that 60% of people have travel plans in the next couple of months.”
Family trips and flights to visit the family back home ranked the second preferred journey for travellers once measures are relaxed, with 26% and 31% respectively.
Looking at the MENA region, we expect to see an increase in Egypt’s domestic travel in the coming months following the ease of travel restrictions and the safety measures followed by the hotels in the country.
